CHERRY HILL, N.J., Feb. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) has announced the expansion of MSAA's MRI Institute - a program designed to help financially challenged people with multiple sclerosis (MS) pay for MRI tests. The Institute is supported by an unrestricted grant from Serono, Inc. and Pfizer Inc. The expanded program calls for MSAA to pay for or provide financial assistance for 390 MRIs for MS patients during the 2004 calendar year.

MSAA started the MRI Institute in Fall 2002 to help uninsured and underinsured individuals with MS obtain MRI tests to aid in the treatment of their MS. Since its inception, the program has funded more than 200 MRIs for persons who have previously been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. MSAA has fully or partially funded these MRIs with the assistance of a nationwide network of more than 650 imaging centers that offer MRIs to the Institute at a reduced rate.

"Today, the MRI is recognized as one of our most powerful tools to gauge the effectiveness of therapy and monitor the progress of the disease," explained Robert Rapp, MSAA Chief Program Officer. "Going from 200 MRIs in a year-and-a-half to 400 in a 12-month period is a remarkable step. This expansion provides a greater opportunity for individuals facing the many challenges of MS to more easily manage the treatment of the disease."

"We are pleased to support the expansion of the MSAA's MRI Institute program," said James Pusey, MD, Executive Vice President of Neurology at Serono, Inc. "The MRI Institute provides access to MRIs for MS patients who are uninsured or underinsured, which is critical in being able to regularly monitor their disease progression, and alleviates the financial burden for those patients who can not afford to pay for it themselves."

The MRI Institute is open to anyone in the United States with a confirmed diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Persons with MS who would like to participate need documentation of financial need and a written request from their physician for an MRI. Complete forms for application to the MRI Institute are available by calling MSAA at 800-532-7667, extension 120.

About MSAA

MSAA provides direct services to help individuals with MS and their care partners lead full and productive lives. MSAA also serves to promote greater understanding of the needs and challenges of people who face physical obstacles as a result of MS.

Established in 1970 and headquartered in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, MSAA is a national, charitable organization dedicated to "easing the day-to-day challenges of individuals with MS and their care partners."